Isis has claimed responsibility for the Jakarta attacks, saying it targeted foreigners from the "crusader alliance" fighting their militants in Iraq and Syria, according to the UK Independent.

"Islamic State fighters carried out an armed attack this morning targeting foreign nationals and the security forces charged with protecting them in the Indonesian capital," Aamaaq news agency said on its Telegram channel.

Five attackers and two bystanders, a Canadian and an Indonesian, died in suicide bombings and shootings in the Indonesian capital on Thursday morning.

A later statement released directly from Isis' propaganda arm wrongly claimed 15 "infidels" were killed.

"A group of soldiers of the caliphate in Indonesia targeted a gathering from the crusader alliance that fights the Islamic State in Jakarta," the group said, saying four militants wearing suicide belts and armed with guns had planted several bombs with timers.

But Indonesia is not carrying out air strikes on Isis territories either the US-led coalition or Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance, which it is reported to be supporting with military aid.

7:00PM:

AT least seven people have been killed in today's attacks on Jakarta.

Attackers set off explosions at a Starbucks cafe in a bustling shopping area of the Indonesian capital and waged gun-battles with police, leaving bodies in the streets as office workers watched in terror from high-rise windows.

Two civilians, including a dutch national, and a police officer are are among those believed dead. The other four were gunmen.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo says in a statement on national TV the situation is under control and is calling on people to remain calm.

Jokowi says: "The state, nation and people should not be afraid of, and lose to, such terror acts."

He spoke after suspected Islamic militants detonated bombs and opened fire at police in downtown Jakarta, killing at least one policeman. An Associated Press photographer saw three more bodies lying in a sidewalk.

People in Jakarta are tweeting the hashtag #KamiTidakTakut - which translates as "we are not afraid".

Meanwhile, DFAT is warning Australians "to exercise a high degree of caution in INdonesia, including Bali."

"A number of explosions were reported in central Jakarta on 14 January 2016. Australians should avoid the affected area, limit their movements and follow the instructions of local authorities. The overall level of advice has not changed."

From Twitter: Chef Ivan @Dapurlvan

2:40 PM THERE are reports four people are dead after a series of explosions in Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta.

Channel NewsAsia has reported the blast happened at a police post near the busy Sarinah shopping mall. There are suggestions an attack could also have been aimed at the nearby United Nations building.